What Causes Radiating Pain In The Throat When Diagnosed With Thyroid Nodules?

Posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2017

Question: i have been diagnosed with thyroid nodules and recently, in the past month, I have been having pain in my throat radiating into my jaws. The pain is intermittent and lasts for less than a minute and occurs @ 8-10 times a day. It will wake me up at night. Since jaw pain is a symptom I experienced 15 years ago during a heart attack I went to the emergency room thinking that was a connection and had multiple tests done with no heart problems detected. The doctor assured me that the pain was not related to my thyroid because my T3 #'s were ok. The neck pains are getting more frequent and there is swelling.

What do you think is causing the pain? Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need to have ultrasound neck and thyroid scan

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through. Based on the history you have shared, the pain can be due to pressure symptoms due to some nodule or its adherence to underlying muscles or connective tissue. It should be assessed on ultrasound neck and if it's unremarkable, even CT scan of neck should be performed.

Even with normal thyroid function tests, some cold nodule can be present and should be looked for at thyroid scan at next resort and if any should be biopsied, with fine needle aspiration technique.

Meanwhile for pains you can use OTC analgesics like acetaminophen. Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad